SparkCalc

Child Growth Percentile Calculator

Example: 5-year-old boy, 18.3 kg, 110 cm → 50th percentile

Compare one measurement with the sex- and age-specific WHO Child Growth Standards (birth to 5 years) and WHO Growth Reference 2007 (5 to 19 years). For children under 2, enter recumbent length; from age 2, enter standing height. Percentiles describe a reference distribution, not health, diagnosis or a child’s future path. In US clinical practice, CDC recommends WHO charts only to age 2 and CDC charts thereafter.
Last reviewed by SparkCalc editorial team · July 2026
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5 years old

Calculation results updated

Height for age

Weight for age

Height Percentile

Weight Percentile

BMI Percentile

Child Age

Height Status

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How We Calculate This

The calculator linearly interpolates monthly WHO L, M and S parameters, computes z = ((X/M)^L − 1)/(L×S) (or ln(X/M)/S when L=0), then applies the standard normal CDF. It uses recumbent length reference data under age 2, standing height thereafter, weight-for-age only through 10 years, and displays BMI-for-age from age 2. WHO international references are not interchangeable with every country’s clinical chart policy.

Methodology last reviewed: July 2026. How SparkCalc works

Sources: WHO Child Growth Standards (0–5 years) · WHO Growth Reference Data for 5–19 years · CDC: recommended WHO and CDC growth charts by age in US practice

Frequently Asked Questions

What growth references does this calculator use?

It uses WHO Child Growth Standards from birth to 5 years and the WHO Growth Reference 2007 from 5 to 19 years. Local clinical recommendations differ: in the United States, CDC and AAP recommend WHO charts from birth to 2 and CDC charts from age 2.

What does my child's percentile mean?

A percentile locates a measurement in the selected WHO sex- and age-specific reference. The 50th is the reference median; it does not mean “perfect,” and a percentile alone does not determine health.

Should I worry if my child is below the 50th percentile?

One percentile cannot answer that. Clinicians consider repeated accurate measurements, growth pattern, family context, development and health. Discuss concerns or major changes with a qualified healthcare professional.

Why is weight percentile only available up to age 10?

The WHO only provides weight-for-age reference data up to age 10. After that, BMI-for-age is a more meaningful measure because weight alone doesn't account for the wide variation in height during puberty. The BMI percentile is available for ages 2–19.

Why are there separate charts for boys and girls?

Boys and girls have different growth patterns, especially during puberty. Boys tend to be slightly longer at birth and grow taller on average. Growth spurts happen at different ages. Using sex-specific charts ensures accurate percentile comparisons.

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Educational reference only; not a diagnosis or substitute for a growth assessment. Measurement technique, prematurity, medical conditions and the choice of national chart matter. For children under 2, BMI-for-age is not shown. Discuss growth concerns with a pediatric healthcare professional.